I am very touched at everyone's words of comfort. Thank you so very much; it does help.
The two cockatiels left on my front porch have been bathed throughly and no longer smell like cigarette smoke. They are eating well, but only of millet and sunflower seed at present; won't touch anything else. They go to the vet Friday for cultures and exams and will be in quarantine for at least 45 days. Although they are not skinny, they look terrible; no luster to their feathers, their feet dry and leathery and their toe nails so very overgrown. They have obviously never been handled and are terrified when I have to towel them, screaming like they are sure I will kill them any second. The only thing they do is sit on a wooden perch and stare at one another. I have never seen them do a 'well bird stretch' or groom themselves or one another, even when they were wet from their washing. It breaks my heart to see these poor socially deprived birds cowering in their new, much larger cage, looking as poorly maintained as I have seen any bird not in full starvation mode. I cannot help but contrast them to my Gracie Tiel; with my Gracie's shiny white feathers, pink supple feet, perfect beak and bright, shiny eyes and clear nares. These birds were not loved or cared for, they were simply maintained and never given any real love and socialization. Gracie had a good life, and to memorialize that life, I am going to give these two new foundlings a good a life as I gave my Gracie and hope they will be with me as long as she was.
Fly high and enjoy the life across the Bridge surrounded by your mate, Chip, and all the babies that predeceased you. I promise to take these new babies you sent under my own wing and make their life good. I love you Gracie.